Forum Discussion

Lunanoire's avatar
Lunanoire
Member
10 years ago

Radiotherapy tenderness - is this normal?

I only started radiotherapy therapy last Tuesday and yesterday (Sunday) woke up to find my nipple really sore and same with my scar - in fact it felt like a dragging sensation like I originally experienced after the surgery.
Also I had no energy whatsoever - is this normal?

Energy level may have dropped due to me doing three more intensive workouts this week - 2x cardio and 1x box kick as I've managed to put on the 10 kilos now that I had initially lost and all around my waist.  Sunday I didn't even have the energy to eat -tried to have some soup but that wasn't all successful, and just lay on the couch watching movies.

Should I be concerned about the tenderness?  From what I have read that can occur but not usually this soon - I need only after 4 sessions.

radiotherapy

4 Replies

  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    10 years ago

    Radiation can zap the living day lights out of you, I remember one day I just wanted to sleep at the traffic lights I just wanted to get home and sleep, we are all different, keep up with lots of fluids and lots of cream, which are great if kept in the fridge. Be kind to yourself. Regards adean

  • deeney's avatar
    deeney
    Member
    10 years ago

    sorry & the tiredness can be overwhelming so be kind to ur self all the radiation patients i spoke too, not just breast cancer but all cancer's said it was best to have a catnap when u got home (the ladies were saying to prep meals b4 hand if possible this was sound advice)

  • deeney's avatar
    deeney
    Member
    10 years ago

    hi Lunanoire what Jen said, the radiation is still working even on your days off but the staff will check you & you should tell them anyway they will call the Dr if they are unsure. There is probably a nurse available to talk too if you ask (i had access to one plus they check you each week) Try & eat properly even if it is only small amounts drink plenty of water & plaster the moisturiser on ur skin will drink it (use what they have recommended because it has to be metal free)I tan well so was quiet shocked when i burned & blistered whilst another lady who's skin was snow white barely even coloured, we both started on the same day so i was the doobey with the dressings & yes it was painful u think gee can i do this but u can and u do, then months later its like a figment of ur imagination albeit u have a weird suntan front & back (yes it goes through)if i knew how to upload a photo id post it the radiation ladies were very obliging when i asked them to take a photo of me under the machine, i had not seen any photos of the radiation stage so found it scary but then u r only in for a few minutes. They actually said they had never been asked to take a photo before so were quiet chuffed - there is always a laugh to be had no matter what, i think they need it as much as us. Hope the rest of ur course goes well its a pain but u get it done & ticked off the list. cheers

  • Jennybutter's avatar
    Jennybutter
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lunanoire, 

    Yes it is usual to get tenderness, I am in my last week and have had no probs early but this morning my nipple was tender and I have a small amount of swelling but nothing to worry about, everyone is different with their treatments so if your worried at all speak to your oncologist. If you are getting tired listen to your body and have a rest.  All the best.

    Take Care.  Cheers Jen ?? ?? x